| Papers [1-14] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 8] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 —> | Search results on "TAOISM NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIONS": |
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Taoism and Native American Religions, 2004.
An analysis of the parallels between Taoism and Native American religious beliefs.
979 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 8 sources, APA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, out of the three Chinese religions of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, the one religion that most closely relates to the Native American religions is unquestionably Taoism. It looks at how Taoism, sometimes referred to as ?Naturism?, involves observations of and attitudes toward the world of nature similar to the mannerisms and philosophical beliefs of most Native American religious ideology. It discusses how Taoism is also very involved with the Cosmos and Heaven and the manner in which it can be related to the world of nature. It also shows how Native American religious beliefs and Taoism are quite analogous when dealing with the ways in which they are polytheistic and several other religious aspects.
From the Paper
"Native Americans also believe they should be directed by nature, but for a different reason. A ?Vision Quest? is often completed by Native Americans who want to attain a special ability. Usually, a young person on a vision quest lives without food, sometimes without water, and with little possessions. This is done to make the person appear materially poor and spiritually humble before the spirits. This is very similar to the Taoist idea that when an infant comes into the world, it knows no craft and has no ambitions to live yet is cared for, fed, and clothed (Hopfe & Woodward 178). In much the same way, the Native Americans believe that the spirits of nature will assist them, guide them, feed them, and protect them in their journey through earthly existence."
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European Conquest and Native Religion, 2003.
Examines the disruption of Native American ritual and practice with the arrival of European settlers.
763 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 19.95
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Abstract
When the tidal wave of European civilization inundated the shores of the New World, more accompanied it than senseless destruction. Rather, the European deluge ushered in permanent changes in the economies and lifestyles of the Americas. This paper focuses on the disruption that the European conquerors wrought upon the Native American civilizations, which had relatively advanced religious practices.
From the Paper
"In order to properly focus this inquiry into the religious change of the immediate post-colonial period, one must take notice of the reality of the pre-Columbian Southeast. Contrary to popular assumption, these Indians were not ?savages?, possessed of little formal culture. Instead, thanks to agricultural innovations several centuries in the making, the tribal groupings of the region under study were able to reap the gains that only specialized divisions of labor can bring. Since a smaller proportion of the population could now supply the community with its sustenance, resources and people were freed from strict ties to the land."
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Native American Religion Of Peyotism, 2002.
Discusses conflicts between religious practitioners of Peyotism and American laws and society.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 6 sources, £ 49.95
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Abstract
Discusses conflicts between religioius practitioners of Peyotism and American laws and society. First Amendment protection vs. traditional use of psychedelic drug (peyote/mescal). History of Peyotism; its rites & ceremonies. Its religious significance. Its social & cultural characteristics. The Ghost Dance. Sense of identity. Actions of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) & traditional Christian missionaries. Current legal status of the religion of Peyotism.
From the Paper
"Peyotism is the largest religion started, organized, and directed by and for Native Americans and gets its title from the fact that members of the religion use the peyote -- sometimes referred to as mescal -- in their ceremonies, a point that has caused fascinating legal challenges between those supporting the First Amendment protection of freedom of religious practice in the United States and those who wish to prohibit the use of hallucinogenic drugs for what they see as recreational (or at least on-medicinal) purposes. Peyotism has also brought the Native Americans into conflict with mainstream society, and one might speculate that part of the reason that the followers of peyotism have been so adamant in their insistence on using it is the Indians' wish to wrest some control of ceremony and cultural identity back from the society that tried so hard for so many years ..."
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Native and Non-native Tensions in Canada, 2005.
An analysis of the argument between native and non-native Canadians over claims of land.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, £ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the land claims of the aboriginal people of Canada. The paper discusses the history over the struggle between native and non-native Canadians, in regards to their struggle over land, fishing and hunting rights upon property in the country for many years. The paper presents the argument of the aboriginal people and the counter-claim of those non-native Canadians who are opposed to the claim, as well as their solution to the problem.
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Native vs. Non-native Anthropology, 2005.
This paper contends that distinctions between native and non-native anthropology are insignificant.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 4 sources, £ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that a native anthropologist is one who conducts research in their own society whereas a regular anthropologist conducts research in any society. The paper considers how some would argue that there should be a distinction. This paper presents the hypothesis that the distinctions between native and regular anthropology do not matter. To support this argument, the work of the following two anthropologists is considered; Vincent Crapanzano, who is considered a Native anthropologist because he is doing research in his own society and Anne Allison, an American doing research in Japan.
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"Native Knowledge for Native Ecosystems", 2007.
A review of Robin Wall Kimmerer's article, "Native Knowledge for Native Ecosystems".
1,070 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, APA, £ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly reviews Robin Wall Kimmerer's 2000 article, "Native Knowledge for Native Ecosystems" and highlights the article's main points as well as how it approaches the broad concept of ethno-ecology. More importantly, the paper also touches upon how the article approaches the linkage of local and/or traditional knowledge of ecological systems with academic and/or scientific knowledge of those same systems. Finally, the paper discusses the significance of the aforementioned linkage as it pertains to the future of human beings in the global ecosystem.
From the Paper
"Simply put, Kimmerer's argument is that Native Americans intensively cultivated the land so that it would provide them with sufficient foodstuffs to brave the grueling winter months. While modern-day efforts to restore the ancient biological vitality and bio-diversity of the American woods and ecosystems is a laudable goal, it is not possible without also considering how the natives were able to so successfully manage the world around them. In effect, Kimmerer argues that modern-day conservationists must "heal" their relationship to the land and understand the land spiritually and emotionally as well as intellectually. Less abstractly, Kimmerer states that twenty-first century man must adopt the "site-specific" or "diachronic" knowledge which well-served Native Americans in the past and which lends itself to successful local site restoration. "
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The Native American Religious System, 2002.
An insight into the Native American religious system. The paper discusses six bases of religion and shows how religion has influenced the people and societies who support it.
1,220 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 28.95
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Abstract
Since the beginning of time religion has played an important part in people?s lives. How people worship can be as varied as the lands they live in. The Native American Indians are a group that have many beliefs and rituals. This paper discusses how their religion is based on spirits and the belief of a higher power and that the ceremonies they perform can range from ones concerning harvest and giving thanks to Ghost Dances and Death rituals.
From the Paper
"The Indians believe in Spirits and the supernatural. The Hopi Indians describe Spirits as a being that ?may have greater than human powers (Geertz).? They feel these powers can be evil or be able to accomplished great things. They believe kachinas are powerful because they can make it rain. A kachina is a powerful supernatural being, or one who possesses the being during a religious ceremony. The Hopi also believe that there are those who are invisible and help them with knowledge. They consider these spirits to have superhuman strength. Some such spirits which perform many feats in their tales are the Old Spider Woman and her grandsons, and the Sun god. The Hopi ask each being to help them in their lives using their own special gifts (Geertz)."
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Eastern Religions, 2002.
An insight into the religions of Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism and Buddhism.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 4 sources, £ 36.95
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Abstract
This essay discusses the religions of Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism and Buddhism. The paper inquires how people seek inner fulfillment, liberation and freedom through these religions.
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Ancient Chinese Religions, 2005.
This paper compares two ancient Chinese religions--Taoism and Confucianism.
690 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 16.95
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Abstract
This paper compares mutual beliefs and differences in Taoism and Confucianism. The author relates the common purpose of seeking fulfillment and a noble way of being. The paper explains the mystical approach of Taoism and the practical approach of Confucianism.
From the Paper
"Both Taoism and Confucianism emerged in ancient China in response to indigenous culture values and spiritual ways. In ancient Chinese tradition, the universe is seen as arising from the interplay of yin and yang."
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Eastern and Western Religions, 2002.
A comparative analysis of the main religions of the East and West and how the religions affect the cultures in which they are dominant.
3,675 words (approx. 14.7 pages), 22 sources, MLA, £ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the beliefs of some of the main religions of the world. It shows how the principal distinction between Eastern and Western religions is that the former are dominated by mystical and transcendent components meant to be experienced by individuals and the latter by rational, doctrinal sets of belief meant to be shared by individuals in a community of faith. It analyzes how the major Western religions dominate European and American culture whereas those of the East, which dominate Asia and Africa, are distinguished not only as modes of worship and belief but also as features of the societies in which they are practiced. It evaluates how Eastern and Western religions are not mutually exclusive, they just overlap or converge in multiple ways.
From the Paper
"A peaceful habit of mind prepares one to enjoy material reality with an appropriate attitude, in the event material fortune disappears. In the Lama's formulation of the Four Noble Truths of sorrow as four factors of happiness, the key is to train the mind, or Sem, away from preoccupation with wealth and toward contentment. That is consistent with the noble truth about stopping the craving, and it points in the direction of the noble truth about good moral conduct. The Lama's view of education of the human psyche in compassion and generosity toward others in the context of humanity's social tendencies can be seen as a link to spiritual experience. Connection to and compassion for others may not guarantee a life without suffering; to this, Tibetan Buddhism responds that a prepared mind has taken the trouble to reflect on suffering as a natural part of Samsara, or the unending cycles of life (Lama and Cutler 140) "
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Canadians and Native Stories, 2003.
A look at answer to Lenore Keeshig-Tobias question of why Canadians are so obsessed with native stories from her essay ?Stop Stealing Native Stories?.
2,043 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 12 sources, MLA, £ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes how in her in her essay ?Stop Stealing Native Stories? , Lenore Keeshig-Tobias refers to non-native authors? interest in telling native stories as ?cultural theft? and the ?theft of voice?. In order to comprehensively understand Lenore Keeshig-Tobias' argument, it explores Canadian society and defines and contrasts opinions on what it is to be ?indigenous? to a land. It also looks at the importance of Canada?s well-known native poets ? in particular, Marilyn Dumont and E. Pauline Johnson.
From the Paper
"Another of E. Pauline Johnson?s interests was the depiction of Natives in white literature. The decision to include Natives and the way in which they were portrayed was a topic she explored as a part of her essay, ?A Strong Race Opinion: On the Indian Girl in Modern Fiction?. Marilyn Dumont shows similar interests in her involvement in representing ?part of a new literary trend that encourages indigenous writers to create more realistic images of Native women and ultimately break down the established misrepresentations portrayed in non-Native literature.? (Kobayas) In exploring Natives in non-Native literature in such a way, both Johnson and Dumont are acknowledging that white Canadians do, indeed, write Native stories or perhaps stories with Native characters in them."
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East Asia Religions, 2002.
Discusses East Asian religions as human-centered rather than metaphysical mysteries.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 4 sources, £ 49.95
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Abstract
Discusses East Asian religions as human-centered rather than metaphysical mysteries. Overview of the principal characteristics of the major East Asian Religions: Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism. Development in China, Korea and Japan. Adaptation of Confucian ideals & its impact on society. Conflict between Buddhism , imported from India, with indigenous religions of Confucianism and Taoism. Comparison of Confusianist & Taoist orientations to Western religion.
From the Paper
"The religions of China, Korea, and Japan have in common an emphasis on the essential unity of all things and the necessity of the individual's integration with nature, family, and society. In addition they have a strong basis in ancestrism and, for the most part, favor a level of syncretism that, especially for those in the Western monotheist traditions, seems remarkable. The overriding common characteristic of East Asian religion, however, is that it is human-centered and seen not, primarily, as the source of solemn metaphysical mysteries but as "part of a ring of relativistic commitments whose real center is inflexible norms or propriety for human and divine relations" (Ellwood & McGraw 180). A brief overview of the principal characteristic of the main East Asian religions will demonstrate how this region of the world has been a distinct entity in terms of the nations' reliance on ..."
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World Religions, 2004.
An overview and summary of many of the main religions of the world, including Christianity, Judaism, and Eastern religions.
3,722 words (approx. 14.9 pages), 5 sources, APA, £ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper examines most of the world's religions and discusses them in the following contexts: founder and history; gods; views on creation; views on death and the afterlife; and major holidays, festivals, and rites.
The religions discussed are Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Taoism, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Baha'ism, Hinduism, and Wicca.
From the Paper
"Like Christianity is to Judaism, Buddhism formed basically as an offshoot of Hinduism. The historical Buddha, known as Gautama Buddha, was a high caste Hindu named Siddhartha who underwent a period of fasting and meditation with monks. Afterwards, he rejected some of the main tenets of Hinduism and preached a Middle Path or Middle Way between worldliness and extreme asceticism. A group of followers helped to organize the Buddha?s teachings into a formal religion, much as the Christian apostles and later theologians codified Christianity. Therefore, Gautama Buddha was not so much the founder of the religion as its key prophet and figurehead."
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Native-American Totem Poles, 2006.
A review of the Native-American Indian totem pole and it's importance to the culture of Native-American Indians.
1,582 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the role of the totem pole in the lives of Native-American Indians. The paper first provides a brief history of the totem pole from the perspective of the British explorer, Captain James Cook and then goes on to discuss the history of the totem pole in Native-American Indian culture. The paper then explains the process of creating a totem pole, listing the meaning behind the various symbols.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Totem Pole Significance
The History of the Totem Pole
Steps to Making a Totem Pole
Totem Pole Symbolism
The Great Seal of the US and the Canadian Coat of Arms
Native-American Indian Oral Tradition
The Haida Totem Pole
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper
" The Native American Indians did not have a written form of their language and totem pole stories and imagery were shared with the owners of the pole and those who they told. The only meanings which are on record are in cases where the owners of the pole left written record, granted interviews or in cases where the story has been transferred from generation to generation in a story. These stories are referred to as the "oral tradition" which is subject to change and become distorted over time.
According to the website of the Manataka American Indian Council: The Native American Indians placed the totem pole at the front entrance of the family's longhouse for honoring the clan's ancestors, to record the clan's standing, rights and accomplishments, in memoriam of a ceremony or spiritual experience and contains the symbolism of the qualities, experience, and exploits of the family clan. (Manataka American Indian Council, 2006)"
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